Last Christmas
Happy Christmas to all my readers and friends; a Christmas story in true Severus Snape (and thus SS19) style—dark and depressing!
"Severus, might I have a moment?"
A pause.
"Please. Just a moment of your time."
"Another favour, Headmaster?" The tone is spiteful.
"No. Just a moment in my office is all I ask." He waits for the dark-haired man to turn and face him. "Do not be like this at Christmas."
He whirls. The corridor is thankfully deserted. His black eyes are sparking with anger. "You realise what this is, Headmaster?"
A raised eyebrow. "What is this, Severus?"
"No, I do not expect you would understand. I am too busy to speak to you, Headmaster. I have things to do."
He steps forward and reaches out to grab his arm. "Severus. Wait."
"Do not touch me!" He wrenches his arm away, and the older man feels his heart splinter. "I just wish to speak to you."
"I have already agreed to your request—I do not need to exchange pleasantries with you." So the wound is still fresh.
"I know that this is a front, Severus. It has been fifteen years since we first celebrated Christmas together. It has been our routine since then. It means a huge amount to the both of us, the time we spend together. You can pretend to be angry with me—"
"And why would I be angry at you, Headmaster?" The words are venomous, and he takes a step back. This is genuine emotion.
"Severus. This is not an ideal situation, I know, but one that is very important for the greater good."
He shakes his head. "I do not wish to hear about your precious greater good. If you had any semblance of respect, you would leave me in peace!"
"I cannot do that, my dear child." He closes the breach between them—it is a physical gesture, but he knows he has so much more to do before he can stop the gap between their hearts. "Listen to me. I just wanted to give you your Christmas present, that is all."
He takes it as a good thing that his younger colleague does not back away. He looks into those dark eyes and sees the torment. He raises his good hand and gently brushes one finger against the white cheek. There is a moment shared between them, and then the black eyes glance away.
He makes his decision and envelopes his friend in an embrace that pulls him close to his chest and cradles him there. "I'm proud of you, Severus Snape. I am. And I realise what I will ask you to do next year. But I know that you will carry out my command."
He has to admit, he is surprised when the younger man does not pull away from the embrace. He rests his head against a comfortable shoulder and stays in the warmth.
"I will not let you down, Headmaster." He whispers.
"That was never my concern." He breaks the embrace and pulls back. "I shall now leave you in peace." He turns to walk away.
"Headmaster." Severus calls after him. Albus turns. "Have you realised what this is, yet?"
Albus shakes his head. "Enlighten me."
For a second, he could swear that those black eyes are glistening. "Severus?"
There is a long silence. Then Severus chooses to speak, and his voice trembles like a leaf caught on a winter breeze.
"After fifteen years...this is our last Christmas."